Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be with my child until he or she is asleep?
What can I expect to see as my child goes off to sleep with anesthesia?
Can I be with my child during the entire procedure?
Are there eating and drinking restrictions for my child's procedure?
My child takes medicines. Can I give them as directed?
What happens if my child has a cold or fever?
How will my child awaken from anesthesia?
How will my child be after sedation/anesthesia?
Can I be with my child until he or she is asleep?
One parent/guardian/caregiver over the age of 18 may be present with children over the age of 12 months as they fall asleep, unless otherwise determined by the anesthesiologist. Although this option is offered, parents are not required to be present as their child falls asleep.
What can I expect to see as my child goes off to sleep with anesthesia?
Every sedation/anesthesia experience is a little different. As children become sleepy from anesthesia, some simply close their eyes and fall asleep smoothly, while others enter a stage of excitement before drifting off to sleep.
During the "excitement stage," children are already asleep enough that they do not have control of their movements and don't remember this phase. Children may move their arms or legs. Their movements can range from gentle to more forceful, and some appear "seizure-like." Some appear dizzy, breathe noisily or cough. You may also see unusual eye movements such as eye rolling. This may be upsetting to see, but be assured that this is all very normal during this stage of anesthesia.
Your child will become limp as he or she relaxes into a very deep sleep. Once your child is asleep, you may kiss or gently touch your child before you are escorted to the same-day waiting area.
Can I be with my child during the entire procedure?
Parents are not permitted to remain present during a procedure while a child is anesthetized. The anesthesia team and procedure providers must focus solely on your child to provide the best care possible. While parental support during the pre- and post-procedural time is extremely important, it is not a benefit to your child while he or she is asleep. It is always a concern that a parent may begin to feel faint and require medical attention, which would detract from the care of your child.
Are there eating and drinking restrictions for my child's procedure?
YES. There are restrictions so that your child may safely receive sedation/anesthesia. When patients receive sedation/anesthesia, their bodies relax, including their digestive system. If there is any food or liquid in the stomach, patients are at risk for vomiting, which could get into the lungs and cause a life-threatening situation.
To maximize your child's safety, here are the guidelines:
- Your child should not have ANYTHING by mouth for two hours before the procedure.
- Your child can drink clear liquids (a liquid you can see through) up to two hours before the procedure.
- Your child should not breastfeed for four hours prior to sedation or anesthesia.
- Your child should not eat ANYTHING or take cow milk products for at least six hours before anesthesia or sedation.
- We prefer that high fat meals (such as a hamburger, etc.) should not be taken for eight hours before anesthesia or sedation.
My child takes medicines. Can I give them as directed?
In general, medicines can be taken as scheduled with a sip of water. However, staff will call each family one business day prior to the child's scheduled appointment to discuss medicines, and how and when to give them.
What happens if my child has a cold or fever?
If your child has cold symptoms, you should contact the Pediatric Perioperative Program directly at (603) 650-4355. Mild cold symptoms in an otherwise healthy child may not necessarily indicate a need to reschedule the appointment. Symptoms that are concerning include, but are not limited to:
- A productive cough (coughing something up)
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Having a decrease in normal activity tolerance
Although the assessment of your pediatrician provides helpful information, the final determination is made by the anesthesiologist whether it is safe to proceed with the scheduled appointment.
How will my child awaken from anesthesia?
Everyone's experience is a little different, but in general, children tolerate anesthesia and sedation very well. Some children will wake quickly and may be awake before their families arrive to see them. Other children may remain sleeping for several minutes or hours from the effects of the anesthesia. Some children may thrash, cry, seem inconsolable, and have difficulty recognizing familiar objects or people. This behavior is not usually related to pain and typically children do not remember it. This wake up is known as "emergence delirium" and will pass with time.
Please do not wake your child. In our experience, children often have a gentler and more comfortable wake up when they wake on their own.
How will my child be after sedation/anesthesia?
It is rare that children vomit afterwards, although it does happen on occasion. With certain procedures (such as tonsillectomies) it is relatively common.
Children will not have their usual balance and coordination after sedation/anesthesia. Although young children may be persistent in wanting to walk on their own, it is unsafe for them to do so for several hours after their procedure.
You should avoid having your child do anything that may require coordination or quick response the rest of the day after receiving sedation/anesthesia. Please have your child avoid activities such as:
- Walking up or down stairs
- Riding a bike/skateboard/ATV
- Swimming
- Using playground equipment
